Smokeless powder.



FRANCIS A. HALSEY, OF SWANTON, VERMONT;

SMOKELESS POWDER.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Feb. 11, 1908.

Application filed October 16, 1906. Serial No. 339.147.

comparatively safe to manufacture and use.

with a high explosive power on ignition, and which will not deteriorate on exposure.

It consists of a compound-made up of the following elements combined in about" the proportions specified:

Ammonium picrate 43% Barium nitrate 34% Potassium icrate i- 10% Ferrocyani of potassium- 1% Potasslum permanganate- 4% Finely pulverized wood- 8% These constituents are mixed together in the usual manner, being first finely pulverized, the potassium permanganate being dissolved first in cold water, and all are then inti- Ina-tely incorporated bypassing through a kneading machine, in which they are mixed until thoroughly homogeneous, the process being assisted by a small quantity-of water. The resultant composition is atthis stage in the form of a damp adhesive mass, which is then passed through separating or granulating sieves and dried.

It is understood that the exact proportions above specified may be slightly varied according to the caliber of the fire-arms or guns for which the powder is to be used. The advantage of this composition and process is in the greatly decreased cost of production and safety in manufacture and safety in use.

By the use of potassium permanganate there is chlorin liberated upon the explosion which bleaches the smoke generated by the other ingredients. This will be apparent, when it is considered that I use con'imercial nitrates in the preparation of my improved powder, and not a chemically pure article. The commercial nitrates all carry a small percentage of chlorin and upon this is based the proportions of the ingredients that I use,-

ior the oxygen and the chlorin bleach the coloring matter in the smoke and destroy it. It may be noted, also, that the powder of the present invention is a bulk powder, that is,

it may be loaded measure for measure with black powder. It will be further noted that the reaction of the improved powder is neitheracid nor alkaline but neutral.

What I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is- I 'lihe herein described granular explosive powder consisting of. the following ingredients in about the proportions specified: ammonium picrate, 43%; barium nitrate, 34%; potassium picrate, 10%; fcrrocyanid of potassium, 1%, potassium permanganate, 4%, and finely pulverized wood, 8%.

- FRANCIS A. .llAliSEY.

Witnesses:

DANIEL G. FURMAN, FRED L. Wnnsrna- 

